Leona Mary Gagner, age 89 of Prosser, entered into God’s Hands on February 28, 2017 at Prosser Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 13, 1928 to George and Grace (Mc Intire) Braconnier in Millicent, Alberta, Canada. She was raised and educated in Alberta until her family moved to Prosser in November, 1947. She met her future husband, LeRoy E. Gagner by sitting in his chair, as a new student, at Prosser High School. Stories abound that she sat on his lap at school and they held hands while she sat behind him at a basketball game in Seattle while he sat next to another girl.
Leona and LeRoy were married on October 12, 1948 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser. They started their married life in Grandview from 1948 to 1973; Gleed from 1973 to 1978; Kennewick from 1978 to 1985; and then to Prosser from 1985 to present.
During her lifetime she held many positions, such as: a clerk at Sears; bottled wine at Tuckers Winery; drove cars for Avis; potatoes at Balcom and Moe; apples at Kershaws; asparagus at Libby’s; and for years she volunteered to help children learn to read at the Prosser School District. She was a member of Royal Neighbors of America and Buena Vista Grange.
Those that knew her knew the extreme love she had for her family. She loved to talk and made you feel special as she flitted from one person to another. No one was ever a stranger with her gift of gab and caring spirit. Many who walked through the door to her home called her Mom or Grandma.
She kept busy raising her family as she played cards with them or out fished them while camping. At home, she crocheted, knitted, read and did crossword puzzles. Leona and LeRoy square danced and round danced for many years. They enjoyed being together with friends as all laughed and danced. Let’s not forget her bowling league and playing Bingo on Wednesday mornings at the Senior Center.
Leona is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years, LeRoy E. Gagner of Prosser; her children, Elaine Martin (John) of Prosser, Ray Gagner (Niki) of Bothell, Randy Gagner (Chris) of Roy, WA, Val DeLeon of Pasco, Pam Jahkne (Troy) of Pasco, Cheri Beltran (Joel) of Prosser and Eric Gagner of Gilbert, Arizona; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her brother, Dale Braconnier (Joyce) of Dexter, Oregon and sisters, Jacqueline Gagner (Merlin) of Prosser and Darlene George (John) of Bothell.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Duane and Reginald.
Visitation will be held at Prosser Funeral Home, 1220 Sheridan Avenue, on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM followed by Recitation of the Rosary. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1905 Highland Drive in Prosser. A luncheon will follow at Smith Hall. A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, March 20th. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society. You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com